KC Chiefs: Grading each AFC West team’s 2019 offseason
By Cullen Jekel
Los Angeles Chargers
Last Year’s Record: 12-4
Postseason Result: Defeated Ravens 23-17 in Wildcard Round; Lost to New England Patriots 41-28 in Divisional Round
After going 12-4 in 2018 and finishing second in the AFC West to the Chiefs, who had the same record, the Chargers had the quietest offseason in the division. No big free agent signings. No big names lost. No trades made.
As discussed in the Raiders section, the Chargers did lose wide receiver Tyrell Williams in free agency. Cornerback Jason Verrett, who played in only five games the past three seasons, signed with San Francisco. Antonio Gates remains a free agent.
That’s pretty much it for departures.
The Chargers re-signed linebacker Denzel Perryman to a two-year extension while also keeping around defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and wide receiver Travis Benjamin. Los Angeles then added longtime Carolina Panther linebacker Thomas Davis on a two-year deal worth $10 million. L.A. swapped Geno Smith as the backup quarterback for Tyrod Taylor (two years, $11 million).
In the draft, the Chargers made seven selections, one in each round. The team started by adding defensive tackle Jerry Tillery and then selected Delaware safety Nasir Adderley in the second round.
The team’s most interesting selection came in the fifth round when the Chargers selected quarterback Easton Stick out of North Dakota St. Stick played at the same school, and for the same coach, as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.
It’s rare that a team finds its (next) franchise quarterback that late in the draft, and odds are, Stick won’t be the one to ultimately replace Phillip Rivers. Still, worth keeping an eye on it.
Quiet offseason for the lesser two of the Los Angeles franchises. But in reality, the Chargers didn’t need to do much. The offense remains set with Rivers, Melvin Gordon, and Keenan Allen. The defense added necessary upgrades and depth.
They remain the biggest threat to the Kansas City Chiefs.